So doing the math here would mean that the Patriots should beat the Purple Knights 38-24 right? Well, it’s not that simple.

St. Augustine was leading Karr 24-14 midway through the fourth quarter and had a chance to go up 31-14 but a fumble put the Purple Knights’ defense back on the field. Three plays later, Devante' “Speedy” Noil had Karr within one score and momentum shifted all the way in the Cougars’ direction.

A healthy Noil could have made the same difference for Karr last week against Curtis, but his hamstring hampered his running ability and Curtis came through in the end. So to assume that these two teams would be 14 points apart is perhaps a stretch.

However, only one of these teams can come out victorious in this nationally-televised game. It’s the defending national champions against the reigning No. 1 player in the country.

This time, the defending national champions come out on top.

Prediction: Curtis 28, St. Augustine 22

Covington 31, Slidell 14: Tigers running back Montel Williams has rushed for 792 yards and 10 touchdowns so far this year but will need a game like the one he had against Lakeshore on Sept. 20 (39 carries, 330 yards, four touchdowns) for Slidell to have a good shot in this one. Garrald McDowell and the Lions get this one done.

Mandeville 42, Fontainebleau 13: Glen Cuiellette has been impressive as a passer so far this year and is fifth in the New Orleans area with 832 yards ... and is a big reason why the Skippers will extend their winning streak to five games over the Bulldogs.

Northshore 21, Ponchatoula 20: That’s the same score that Covington defeated Northshore by last week, but the Panthers are going to come out on top this week. These teams have alternated victories in the last six seasons and since Ponchatoula won last year, that means it’s Northshore’s year this year.

East Jefferson 35, Jesuit 14: It’s been three shutouts for the Warriors so far this season, but I don’t foresee them holding Jesuit out of the end zone. Eugene Wells, Ronald Green and the rest of East Jefferson’s offense has just been too good this season – and that’s when they haven’t been accused of running up the score on teams.

Destrehan 35, Hahnville 24: The Wildcats are scoring 49.0 points per game. The Tigers are allowing 12.8 points per game. So which one gives in? I think Donovon Isom and the Wildcat offense will be too much for the Tigers defense when this one is all said and done.

Newman 56, Carver 32: I don’t think we’ll see another 72-68 instant classic as we did last year, but the Rams are quietly averaging 43.3 points per game this year. However, Newman has yet to score less than 53 and that will continue this week as Carver’s defense – which did pitch a shutout last week against Fisher – struggled against Belle Chasse and Easton.

Easton 46, South Terrebonne 39: The Eagles can score points in bunches and if any game is going to come close to matching Newman-Carver from last year, it’ll be this one. Look for the Eagles offense – whether behind the arm of Josh Johnson or the legs of Bracy Gardner and Devin Glenn – to continue doing what they do best.

Rummel 24, Dutchtown 14: The Raiders are coming off their most complete game of the season according to Coach Jay Roth in a surprising 32-7 victory over Catholic last weekend. Dutchtown struggled with turnovers against Rummel in last year’s playoff loss and again in a 45-14 loss to Destrehan this season. Look for the Raiders defense to lead the way again.

McDonogh 35 34, Livonia 31: This one will be a test to see if this Livonia team is a real contender or not. McDonogh 35 is looking to continue to roll on the field after its big win over Lutcher was forfeited. This one is shaping up to be a good one and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Livonia pull this one out, but the Roneagles should get the win.